SmartStart, the new downtown business accelerator whose mission it is to help start-up companies grow as quickly as possible, will help by reducing costs and simplifying operations for the budding entrepreneur. Technology companies, technology assistive companies, and heavy technology using companies are the SmartStart target audience. SmartStart, working with downtown landlords, will help by identifying office space that is available at affordable rents and without a long lease. SmartStart also will offer a connectivity package available through Time Warner Telecom (TWTC) at an affordable price.

Time Warner has two “starter bundles” that are ideal for SmartStart tenants, according to Joan Cross, Time Warner Account Executive. For the smaller company, TWTC has a VersiPak Flex T-6 bundle. This includes, each month, 6 voice lines, 384K to 768K Internet access including IP address, 3000 long distance minutes, 700 MB Web hosting, up to 40 e-mail boxes, and up to 6 voice mail boxes. It also includes up to six calling features including hunting.

For slightly larger tenants, TWTC offers the VersiPak Flex T-12 bundles. This includes, each month, 12 voice lines, 512K to 1536K Internet access including IP address, 5500 long distance minutes, 700 MB We hosting, up to 40 e-mail boxes, and up to 12 voice mailboxes. It also includes up to six calling features including hunting.

Hunting is a feature that allows an incoming call to “hunt” for an available line. If the main line is busy, it will search for an open line. The services provides the dial tone, but the end-user must buy their own hardware. The time to get the service up and running will vary with the location and the complexity of the hook-up. If existing telephone numbers are being ported (transferred) from another carrier, there might be some delay.

“The bundles are designed to give the small to medium size business everything they need under a one-stop shop approach,” says Cross. Each SmartStart tenant will request the connectivity package and price that best fits their needs.

To learn more about SmartStart, contact Kelly Wilson at kwilson2@gonzaga.edu or visit www.terabytetriangle.com/index.php/id=5&article_ID=349. To learn more about Time Warner Telecom, visit www.twtelecom.com.